3. The "Transmit on All Bands" option: The "ToAB" option is necessary if you want
to transmit on the 60m (5 MHz) band. The "option" involves snipping a link inside the radio and
resetting the radio. Your dealer will do this on request before shipping the TS-590SG to you, provided ToAB is
permitted in your local license jurisdiction. (Much easier to have the dealer do it first, rather than
shipping the radio back afterwards just for "the snip").

******** THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER GETTING YOUR TS-590SG ********

When you have received and unpacked your brand new TS-590SG, don't forget to do the
following:

1. Get to know the TS-590SG section of the Resources Page: To go to the
TS590-SG section, click on the red "TS-590SG" button
below. There you will find all the known Kenwood documentation and software for the radio collected together
for easy reference.

2. Read the TS-590SG documentation: Click on the red "TS-590SG DOCUMENTATION"
button for almost everything you need to know about the radio. Hint: Print the Instruction Manual PDF file and
save it in a binder. Much easier to turn the pages, and you can write notes all over the copy. (Then you can preserve
the original manual in pristine condition for when you decide to sell the radio ....)

3. Try the TS-590SG software: Click on the red "TS-590SG SOFTWARE"
button for all of Kenwood's software for the radio. You will need the Virtual COM Port (VCP) software to support serial
communication via the USB cable, and ARCP-590G to control the radio from your PC. Note: ARCP-590G
is not the same as ARCP-590 (ARCP-590 is for controlling the older TS-590S, and will not work with the
TS590-SG).

When you run ARCP-590G, learn how to backup the radio's settings (click on "Files > Save Settings and
Write Settings"). You will need to backup the radio whenever you install a firmware update.

4. Get to know the "COMMON" section of the Resources Page: This section contains
much information that is broadly common to the TS-590SG and TS-590S. This includes HOWTOs, Hints and Tips, General
TechNotes, Third-Party Software and a large section on Amplifiers. To go to the
COMMON section, click on the green "COMMON" button below.

5. Make a note of your radio's serial number: The serial number is on a
label just below the ANT2 connector on the rear panel of the radio, and should begin with the characters "B4A",
"B4B" or "B5-" -- for example "B4A00246". These first three characters indicate the year/month when the radio was
manufactured. For a table showing recent months of manufacture, click on "TS-590SG HOW MANY?" in the "TS-590SG"
section.

6. Above all, remember you are not alone: There are already many thousands of
TS-590SG/TS-590S owners throughout the world, and many of them are members of the two TS-590 Yahoo discussion groups.
For details, click on the blue "MISCELLANEOUS" button below, then on the blue "YAHOO DISCUSSION GROUPS" button.
If you need help, just ask in one or both of the groups.

The table in this section lists many of the well-known software applications that
work with modern tranceivers, and shows specifically which of those apps work with the TS-590SG.
As yet, the table is very sparse, but as the TS-590SG population gradually increases it is hoped that the
table will eventually be filled.

If you are a TS-590SG owner and have used any of these apps successfully with the TS-590SG, please email the
details to G3NRW (g3nrw-radio@ntlworld.com) for inclusion in the table.
Be sure to include the software's version number, and confirm that the app works with VOX and/or CAT control.
Also, please let me know if any other apps should be included in the table.

21 November 2014

Recent updates are
shown in red.

Application

Version

Runs with
TS-590SG

(VOX)

Runs with
TS-590SG

(CAT)

Comments

aprsisce

?

?

APRS
Messenger

?

?

Audio590

?

?

CATfix

1.0a

N / A

No

digipan

?

?

Direwolf
packet

?

?

DXlab
Commander

?

?

DXlab
WinWarbler

?

?

fldigi

?

?

hamlib

?

?

HRD v5

?

?

HRD v6

?

?

JT65HF

?

?

JT
Alert

?

?

MemSet590

1.2

N / A

No

MixW

?

?

MM-SSTV

?

?

MM-TTY

?

?

N1MM

?

?

PC ALE

?

?

propnet

?

?

pskmail

?

?

SDR
Radio

?

?

wsjt-x

?

?

V4
Chat

?

?

As yet there are no TechNotes on the Resources Page that are specific to the
TS-590SG.

For more general TechNotes that are applicable to both the TS-590SG and TS-590S, click on
the green "COMMON" button below.

This section will contain a list of issues and suggestions from TS-590SG users for improvements to the radio.

Please email G3NRW (g3nrw-radio@ntlworld.com)
with details for inclusion in the list.

*** 30 June 2015 ... User-reported TS-590SG sales approaching 2000

TS-590SG shipping is well under way now. To keep a record of how many there are in the field, this section
includes a table and chart showing the latest serial numbers, as reported by users.

So when you get your new TS-590SG, please take a look at the serial number (located on the label
below the ANT2 socket on the rear panel).
If your serial number is higher than the one in the table, please email it to me:

The user manual that comes with the radio. Version 03. (The
version number is shown at the bottom of the cover page of the manual. Look
for a string of two-digit numbers, like "09 08 07 06 05 04 03" --
the last two-digit number in the sequence is the version number)

In-depth descriptions of the receiver and transmitter organization,
digital signal processing (DSP) functions, and various operational features

CURRENT
TS-590S FIRMWARE VERSION

TS-590S

Current
Firmware
Version

Released

V2.00

29 January 2015

NOTE: This firmware is for the TS-590S, not the
TS-590SG.

Updating the firmware from Ver.1.08 (or before) to Ver.2.00
resets the transceiver automatically due to internal memory address
reallocation. If you do not want to lose user data, save the data using the
latest version Radio
Control Program ARCP-590 (Ver.2.01) before updating the
firmware and write the data back after updating the firmware.

Updates the following features: 1. Enables use of the new Split function for quick split operations. Hold down the [SPLIT] key, and the "SPLIT" indicator blinks. When the [5] key is pressed for instance, the split setting will be completed as "5kHz Up".

2. Enables the XIT frequency to be set while pressing [TF-SET] key when RIT is OFF in simplex mode.

3. Enables FINE function to be set to ON/OFF in each mode.

4. Enables display of the 1Hz frequency digit when the FINE function is turned on below 1MHz (except in transverter mode).

5. Enables the status of FIL A/B to be set separately for VFO A/B.

6. Enables use of the RX ANT in 50MHz band. The status can be set separately in HF and 50MHz band.

7. Enables the setting of RF output power independently in DATA mode. (RF output power in HF SSB-DATA/ FM-DATA, 50M SSB-DATA/ FM-DATA, HF AM-DATA, and 50M AM-DATA can be set independently).

8. Enables setting of the voice message's PROC level and MIC gain separately from the setting of usual microphone input's PROC level and MIC gain. (The optional VGS-1 is required).

9. Enables setting the RX equalizer / TX equalizer in each mode.

10. Enables deleting CW message memories by each memory channel.

11. Enables announcement of the type of the transmission meter. (The optional VGS-1 is required).

12. Enables announcement of the DRV OUT function ON / OFF status. (The optional VGS-1 is required).

Summarizes the many features built into the Kenwood TS-590S for
handling SSB audio. Includes full details for setting the audio equalizers
and cut-off filters, together with configuring TX keying (by VOX, PTT and
external CAT commands). Also dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings
arising from Kenwood’s inappropriate use of the word "DATA" in its
documentation. Now includes details of the built-in TX and RX equalizer
profiles

A close look at using ARCP-590 to set up different User
Defined audio profiles

This section contains a list of issues and suggestions from TS-590S users for improvements to the radio.
As the TS-590S has now been superseded by the TS-590SG, this listing is included
here for historical record.

Since Kenwood no longer manufactures the TS-590S, this is the final update of the TS-590S
totals, as reported by users. This table remains here as a record.

Please do not send any further emails with TS-590S serial numbers.

This section contains technical information that is broadly common to both the TS-590SG and TS-590S.

Although most of these HOWTOs were written originally for the TS-590S, they should also be applicable
to the TS-590SG.

Step-by-step instructions on configuring and using the HHD
Serial Monitor utility, with supporting information on PuTTY, USBDeview and
Portmon. Useful for monitoring and debugging CAT commands and responses.
(Although written specifically for the TS-590S, the methodology will work
with any radio that uses CAT commands). Minor update

To fetch the latest version of the XML file, click on the
link above to display the file in your browser. Then use the browser
"Save File As" function to save the file (for example, as
TS590S.XML).

Do not copy/paste the text from the window into a file

25 Jul 2012

Dave H Freese, Jr, W1HKJ

The TS-590S
RigCAT file for fldigi. Updated 25 July 2012, to include Data Mode Bandwidth
Control by Robert Garcia, K5DTE. The update allows you to control the filter
bandwidth via the fldigi interface and also allows you to use macros to
control it:

·The
<FILWID:500><QSYTO> macro narrows the filter to 500 Hz and
centers the selected signal in the passband of the filter

·Setup
for remote operations – configure the TS-590S for iPad-controlled remote
operation and for ARUA-10 operation. Uses Skype for audio, Ham Radio Deluxe
for rig control and TeamViewer HD for remote desktop control. Don's
"Host" Kenwood 590 station runs the iPad app TeamViewer HD for
remote desktop control of Ham Radio Deluxe from his "remote" iPad.
The iPad app Skype for Ipad is used for TX and RX audio exchange. This page
also has other useful information for TS-590S setup, including using the
ARUA-10 program for phone operation via the USB port

Full details
on setting up the TS-590S for remote operation over the internet. Uses Skype
and TeamViewer. Includes the capability to send monitored sidetone audio
along the same path as the RX audio. This means that from the comfort of your
local PC you can listen to the radio’s TX Monitor, letting you check and
adjust the quality of the TX audio in (more or less) real time – no more
guessing how your signal might sound thousands of miles away!

Describes
how to make a simple “Receiver Out” adapter cable for the TS-590S, so a
second receiver (for example, an SDR such as the SoftRock Ensemble II
Receiver) can be connected and used as a panadapter. This enables the second
receiver to use the same transmit antenna and receive antennas that the TS‑590S
internal receiver uses. Use of this cable requires no hole drilling and no
soldering to the TS‑590S.

Based on the
design by Rob Connelly, W1AEX (HOWTO #21 above), but also including PTT
switching. Detailed photos showing the construction of a headset adapter for
the GE Stereo headset from Walmart (item 38974)

Full
details on how to open up the TS-590S to transmit on the 60m band
(5.250-5.450 MHz), and also to transmit across the whole HF range
(1.705-30.000 MHz). Complete with detailed close-up photos showing exactly
which components are involved

Describes a
suggested scheme for voice processing and routing transmit and receive audio
via USB for use on the phone bands. Includes details of some interesting
audio processing packages (Breakaway Live Audio Processor, Ableton Live,
LiveProfessor, Sonos)

Since the beginning, my brand new TS-590S had an intermittent problem. The reception was fading and sometimes disappeared completely. Sometimes, the TX went away and at the same time, the HI/SHIFT setting didn't work above 3000 Hz. I noticed that a slight shock on the case brought the rig back to life, but not always. Being new and under warranty, I sent the rig back for repair.

Back from repair, the form joined to the rig said "Control Unit interruption" ... I could use the transceiver normally for about a week before the receiver showed the same problem!

The receiver was still fading and a little slap on the case fixed this. I more precisely located the problem on the right bottom part of the case. Pressing the case, even slightly, induced all degrees of deafness! The transmitter was perfectly normal during all these phases.

I finally opened the TS-590S by removing the lower side cover (see picture below, from the TS-590S Service Manual, page 64) and pulled on every cable I found. The slightest move on the green marked coaxial cable and more precisely on the connector CN601 on the Control Unit board induced a receiver problem. Inspecting the tip of the connector with a magnifying glass, I saw that it was not really crimped...

I soldered the tip and everything came back to life... I took the time to check all other TMP connectors, and none of them was really "normal". I ended in soldering all connectors and I hope this will solve any future problem.

Now, everything is normal and I have come to the conclusion that I had two different problems from the beginning...
I hope this helps.

Update: meanwhile, I read that another ZS1 ham had the same problem. So I suspect a bad batch of cables to be the source of problems.

Provides information about serial communications and how to obtain the
port number for a specific CP210x device. Code samples are provided for
opening, closing, configuring, reading, and writing to a COM port

CAT library for third-party developers, to help make apps
“bilingual” – that is, for use with the TS-590SG and the TS-590S. The
zip file contains the User Guide, plus the library code in BASIC as a plain-text
file for easy editing

CATfix: A Windows utility that controls IF Filter switching and configures the radio for digital working,
by Ian Wade, G3NRW.

At present CATfix only works with the TS-590S. It will not work with the TS-590SG.

CATfix Options

Switching between the IF Filters when using SPLIT

CATfix monitors the radio’s TF-SET button, and (optionally) toggles between IF Filter A and IF Filter B
when you press and release the button. This is especially useful when chasing a rare DX station that is
working split – you can set up a narrow filter to listen on the DX station’s TX frequency and a wider
filter to monitor around your own TX frequency, then automatically toggle between the two filters as
you press and release TF-SET.

Setting up the radio for digital operation

CATfix provides several options that help set up the radio for digital operation.
These options let CATfix automatically:

Turn off Auto Information, to prevent overloading the input to the application program.

Lock the radio's front panel, to prevent accidental changes.

Set the power level (typically to a few watts).

Turn off the audio processor.

Switch both VFOs to upper sideband.

"Fixing" the "TX" command

CATfix has an option to change the "TX" (or "TX0") CAT command issued by an application program (such as MMTTY or
Ham Radio Deluxe) to "TX1". This ensures the radio uses the TX audio that is input to the USB or ACC2 port, rather
than via the mic socket.

All of these options are individually configurable in a CATfix configuration file.

Logging: CATfix lets you record all CAT commands and responses in plain-text log files, for later analysis. All
records are date/time-stamped, together with the elapsed time since the start of the session.

CATfix has three modes of operation..............

In TF-SET Mode, CATfix monitors the radio for TF-SET button pushes. Whenever the button is pressed
and released, CATfix sends commands to the radio to switch between the two IF filters.

In Interactive Mode, CATfix lets you communicate between the PC screen/keyboard and the radio.
This is useful for checking out the connection to the radio, and for learning how CAT commands work.

In External Mode, CATfix intercepts CAT commands from the application program, and optionally modifies
them, before passing them on to the radio.

Transceiver Support: CATfix was written specifically for the TS-590S, but most of the functions
should also work with other Kenwood radios, including the TS-990S and TS-2000 (and possibly others).

Application Programs: CATfix does not require any changes to application programs, other than changing
the COM port they usually use to communicate with the radio. There is no need to apply any software
patches. You run application programs in exactly the same way as usual. (Also, note that CATfix operates only on CAT
control commands. It has no effect on the analog TX and RX audio passing between the application program and the
radio).

No Changes to the Radio’s Firmware: CATfix does not in any way change the radio’s firmware.
There is no requirement to flash a new version of the firmware.

"As well as the features that Ian lists, CATfix is the best free serial port monitor that is compatible
with 64-bit Windows 8 that I have found. It allows monitoring and recording of serial port traffic with
excellent presentation of CAT traffic. It also provides a mode that allows keyboard entry of CAT
commands to explore their functions and responses.
These monitoring features make CATfix worth a look even if you don't wish to use any of its other
features."

This section contains information on connecting amplifiers and related equipment to the TS-590S,
derived from discussions in the "American" and "Swiss" reflectors and other sources.

If you have any information to add to this section, please email the details to
Ian Wade, G3NRW -- g3nrw-radio@ntlworld.com

GENERAL

Latest update(s) shown in
red

Date

Links / Reflector
Discussions

Author

1

30
Jan 2012

Amplifier Keying Relay Contact
Ratings

The relay in question is, I believe, K11 on the TX/RX unit
board, and I believe the contacts are rated as follows:

0.6A at 125V AC

0.6A at 110V DC

and/or 2A at 30V DC.

I
took the cover off the rig and read the specs directly off the relay.

Frank, KK0K

ACOM 1000

Latest update(s) shown in
red

Date

Links / Reflector
Discussions

Author

1

7 Nov
2011

I'm taking delivery of a spanky new Acom 1000 in a couple of days, is
it a simple matter of hooking the KEY IN on the amplifier to pin 2 (common)
and pin 4 (MKE) of the REMOTE connector?

Is that a standard 7 pin DIN?

The manual for the Acom says the following...

"d) Run a cable terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector from the
transceiver socket providing ground on transmit” to the amplifier rear panel
KEY-IN socket.

NOTE Your amplifier will not work if KEY-IN is not connected properly.

Transceiver producers give different names to this output and they are
for instance TX-GND, SEND, T/R-LINE, etc. Some transceivers require that
“ground on transmit” is implemented via a software command, or by changing
the setting of a switch on the rear panel, or interior of the transceiver.
Check your transceiver’s manual."

The closest I can see in theTS-590S manual is the pins I mentioned on
the REMOTE connector so will that be suitable?

Keith, G6NHU

2

8 Nov
2011

The 590 has a feature that no other OEM thinks is necessary. That is
the TX Delay setting [Menu 53]. For the Acom 1000 set it at 10 ms key
delay as the Acom has a QSK TR relay. For a slow keying amp like the
Ameritrons, set it at 25 ms TX Delay.

This will prevent hot switching and make the radio and amp happy.

Sonny, AB4VV

Latest update(s) shown in red

Date

Links / Reflector Discussions

Author

1

19 Mar 2014

Ameritron
AL-80A and Heathkit SB-1000:

Work great with the TS-590S. I plumbed mine 590 -> AMP ->
Meter -> Tuner -> Antenna.
I've used both a single wire keying cable (no ALC) and the one from my
TS-830S/TS-940S w/ the ALC feedback wire hooked up (ebay). Both work
fine and frankly I don't see much difference. Currently have the AL-80A
hooked up w/ ALC connected and controlling drive power via the amp's ALC setting
leaving the 590's power set at about 69W. Menu #53 is set to
"3".

In the next day or two I will be replacing my Kenwood TS870 with a new
TS590. For years I have been running a Ameritron AL811 with the simple relay
connection. Will that connection work OK on with the TS590 or should I
purchase the MFJ ARB 704 Interface unit?

Ron

2

28
Nov 2012

I've ran my TS-590S with the Ameritron AL-811. I used a connection
from the REMOTE connector and the ALC from the REMOTE connector. Has worked
flawless since day one.

I now have an ALS-600 using the exact same cabling and REMOTE
connections. No problems.

The REMOTE pins 2 is the shield of a phono cable and pin 4 is the
center conductor on the phono plug. This is plugged into the RELAY jack on
the AL-811.

The ALC from the REMOTE connector pin 6 going to the center conductor
of a phono cable and the shield connected to the metal shield of the 7 pin
DIN plug.

The cable from the ALC on the TS-590S is plugged into the ALC on the
AL-811.

Go to menu item 53 and select either 2 or 3 as a setting. When the
amplifier is turned on and in OPERATE the TS-590S should be able to key it
when you transmit.

The drive to the amplifier varies but I found about 50 watts was
enough. After that you can go ahead and tune the amplifier up and adjust the ALC
control on the back of the AL-811 to where it just starts to lower the power
output of the TS-590S and then turn it clockwise to the point where the power
from the TS-590S just gets back to the level needed for the amplifier to put
out full power.

The ALC circuit in the AL-811 isn't one of the best so make sure your
power level when running the amplifier is adjusted to the power level that
obtains the power out you want from the AL-811.

--

Just to clarify the cable used from the TS-870 to the AL-811 is
exactly the same wiring the TS‑590S needs to connect the amplifier to
it. The only difference is the menu #. Plug in the cable you currently have
and set the menu to activate the HF amplifier and you're done.

Gary, KO6WB

3

28
Nov 2012

Just as an aside -- I am using the AMP cable called TS2P/TS2PA from
ebay -- seems to be fine.

Chuck

AMERITRON ALS-1300

Latest update(s) shown in
red

Date

Links / Reflector
Discussions

Author

1

3 March 2013

I currently run my TS-590S with the Ameritron ALS-1300. I use the
remote connector for connection to the ALC, pin 6 and MKE pin 4, with pin 2
as common.

The cable from the Remote ALC on the TS-590S is plugged into the ALC
jack on the ALS‑1300.

Menu item 53 is selected for item 3 as a setting, where both the Relay
and Delay are both set to ON. With the amplifier turned on and in the OPERATE
position the TS-590S is able to key it when transmit is selected.

The drive to the amplifier varies from band to band but I have found
that 50 watts is enough drive.

The amplifier ALC control is set to the 2.5 position on the dial
located on the front of the ALS‑1300.

I also use the MFJ-998 Automatic Tuner in conjunction with the
ALS-1300 Amplifier.

For clarification, the cable used between the TS-590S remoter tuner
connector to the MFJ‑998 is the MFJ-5114K, and the MFJ-998 jumper JP1
is ON.

Plug in the cable, set the menu to activate the HF amplifier and
you're done.

The MFJ-998 tuner should be inserted between the RF Switch and the
RCS-4 and used only for the wire antennas, but for simplicity of station
wiring and proximity of RF equipments, it’s located as shown in the diagram.

Tom, W3FRG

AMERITRON ARI-500

Latest update(s) shown in
red

Date

Links / Reflector
Discussions

Author

1

2 Nov
2012

I am trying to use an Ameritron ALS-1300 with their ARI-500 auto
switch box and cannot get my TS-590 to communicate with the ARI-500. The
factory says it should work. I searched all the messages on this site and
only found one post with no responses. Is their anyone out there that is
using this combination with any success? It would be nice to be able to auto
band switch with this amp. I have has no trouble with the radio auto band
switching with other amps made by THP and SPE. So the RS-232 port on the
radio is fine. Thanks in advance for any help.

Chas, K2BU

2

8 Nov
2012

When I bought my ALS-600 at DX-Engineering over a year ago, I asked
that question. They went to Ameritron and got back with me. The ARI-500 had
to be redesigned to properly work with the 590, as far as I've seen it has
not, and I also see it is not listed in DX-Eng. latest catalog. So I did not
buy one. They listed Kenwood in their catalog but not the 590 that's why I
asked the question.

Jim, WA7NDD

3

8 Nov
2012

That's absolutely true the ARI-500 cannot in it's present form sense
the band the TS-590S is selected to. There is a way to get the information
and send it to the ARI-500 for auto band select.

You can see a YouTube on this here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LaV1S-lyus.
You'll probably need to add some general purpose switch transistors as a
switch level out. It might be okay just the way it is. This works. There may
be other ways to do this but so far this is the only one I've seen.

I have an SPE Expert 1K-FA amplifier for CW contesting. I cannot
get the auto-band changing to work.

I have my PC connected to the USB port for logging and that works just
fine. I connected the COM port to the Amp as per the Kenwood
diagram on page 31 of the User's manual. Both ports are set to 9600
BPS.

Is there something I have not done?. Can anyone help
please?

Sid, GM4SID

4

23
Nov 2012

The internal frequency counter should have been able to detect and
automatically change bands even if the Kenwood communications are not setup
correctly.

Does the amplifier automatically switch bands when you transmit?

It should be almost instantaneous.

Also make sure you have the correct cable or if you made it yourself
check and make sure it's

I connect to the computer and rig via the USB ports at 38400 and
between the rig and the amplifier with 9600 and it works nicely.

Mel, SM0MPV

TOKYO THP HL

Latest update(s) shown in
red

Date

Links / Reflector
Discussions

Author

1

25
Nov 2012

I'm curious if there is anyone here who is using the TS-590S with the
Tokyo High Power solid state amps? Early on, there was discussion about the
THP amps faulting and/or being damaged by the spike in the TS-590S upon
key-up. I run mine with an Acom 1000 with no issues. Just curious for a
report from owner of 590 and THP amp.

Steve, N4JQQ

2

25
Nov 2012

I have been running my 590 with a Tokyo Hy-Power solid state HL-550FX
for 8 months or so. I have operated maybe 12 contests, both RTTY and
SSB. Never had a fault. I also use an LP‑100A digital
vector RF wattmeter, and have not noticed any significant spikes.

Jim, W4LC

3

26
Nov 2012

Steve, have the 590 driving the THP 1.5K with no problems.

Jack, KZ6ZZ

4

26
Nov 2012

I have been running my TS-590S with a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX on a
near daily basis for the past two years and have yet to have the amplifier fault.
Like Jim, W4LC, I use an LP-100A digital wattmeter and have not noticed any
significant power spikes.

Frank, KK0K

5

26
Nov 2012

I've used the TS590 with THP HL-1.2K and never had any problems. I
used to DX and contests. I found no difficulty or problems during one year
(little bit more than one year) I presently use a home made SS 600W HF linear
(Motorola application EB-104)and also had no problems or bad signal report.

Clean digital signals tutorial ~~~ by Nige, G7CNF. Includes details of how to set up the Windows Volume Mixer
gain levels correctly and how to make
sure the signal sampling rates are correct. Although prepared for an SDR transceiver, the principles
in this tutorial apply equally to the TS-590. A must-view for everyone transmitting digital signals

MemSet590: a spreadsheet tool to manage TS-590 memories

MemSet590 is now bilingual: it works equally well with both the TS-590SG and
the TS-590S.

MemSet590 manages memory settings in the
Kenwood TS-590SG and TS-590S transceivers. MemSet590 is a .XLS program that runs under Microsoft Excel.

With MemSet590 you set up an Excel spreadsheet containing the settings for all the 110
memories in the radio, then click on the Upload button to transfer these settings to the radio. In the
opposite direction you click on the Download button to transfer all the radio's memory settings
to the spreadsheet. This can save a large amount of time, and is certainly much quicker than
setting up the memories from the radio's front panel.

Working with the spreadsheet is very simple. No knowledge of Excel is required -- you simply fill in
the boxes. Most of the settings such as Mode, FM Deviation, Tone Frequencies and so on are set
up through dropdown lists, so very little typing is necessary. There is comprehensive error checking
to make sure you don't attempt to upload invalid data to the radio. Also, you can print out the
spreadsheet on a couple of sheets of paper, to give you a hardcopy record of all the settings.

SUPPORTS THE U.S. 60m and UK 60m CHANNELS

When using these channels for narrow-band digital transmission, be sure to
set the modulating audio center frequency to 1.5kHz. This will ensure that
the transmitted signal is in the center of the channel, as required by Part97.

Similarly MemSet590 now contains a collection of 18 memory settings for the
UK 60m allocation
that came into force on 1 January 2013.

Audio590 is a Windows program that lets you set up and manage audio profiles for use with
a TS-590SG or TS-590S transceiver. You can read existing audio settings from the radio, display them on the
control panel, change them and then write them back to the radio. You can also save the settings on disk,
and retrieve them later when you need them.

Audio590 helps you configure any kind of audio source for transmission. For example, you can define a different
profile for every mic you have, or different profiles for people sharing the same mic in a
multi-operator contest, or a complete set of individual profiles for all your digital applications.

Above all, Audio590 saves you the hassle of making copious notes on audio TX/RX level settings,
VOX settings, audio processor settings, TX and RX equalizer settings and so forth, for every different
kind of audio you use. All of these settings are saved in Audio590, and when you want to try a different
mic, or switch to a different digital program, you can instantly retrieve the correct settings.

Audio590 is “bilingual”: it works with both the TS-590SG and the TS-590S.

Audio590 is a compact stand-alone program (around 135 kB) that runs under any version of Windows XP,
Windows 7 and Windows 8. The program handles the management of audio and audio-related information
for USB and LSB transmission and reception (later versions will support AM and FM as well).
The program does not support CW or FSK modes.

The term “audio” has a wide meaning. It includes the conventional voice modes, plus any digital modes
that send and receive AFSK signals; for example, RTTY (AFSK), PSK31, Olivia, WSJT-X, SSTV,
digital voice (DV) and many more – even MCW.

AUDIO590 IN ACTION

This picture shows the main functions of Audio590:

After you CONNECT the Audio590 program to the TS-590 (either through the radio's RS.232 COM port or
the USB Virtual COM Port), you can READ the radio’s current settings.
The settings are then displayed on the Audio590 Control Panel.

At this point you can accept the downloaded settings as they stand, or modify them on the
Control Panel if you wish. At any time you can WRITE the settings back to the TS-590, to ensure they
are the same as in Audio590.

Finally, you can SAVE the settings in the Audio590 Repository on disk for future use. Thereafter
you can LOAD the settings back into Audio590, in preparation for writing them back to the radio.

EXAMPLES OF AUDIO PROFILES

Here are some examples of how you might set up audio profiles.

Different Microphones

You may have a collection of different microphones, each with its own characteristics:

The yellow boxes show some of the relevant audio profile parameters. In this example, the headset is
connected to a PC, which feeds the audio to the radio’s USB port, the desk mic uses the radio’s MIC socket,
and the studio mic uses the radio’s ACC2 port.

For each of these mics, the audio gain level, audio processor, Lo/Hi Cut filters, TX equalizer and
other settings will be different. Some of these settings will be made on the TS-590 front panel,
others through menus.

Clearly, if you have several mics, each requiring its own audio profile, the number of adjustments
you need to make each time you swap to a different mic rapidly becomes unmanageable.

Different profiles for the same mic

Even if you only have one mic, it’s possible to set up several audio profiles:

You could set up one profile for laid-back roundtable chats. Here, since the mic is positioned some
distance from the mouth, the mic gain is quite high, VOX is turned on, and the audio processor is turned off.

The situation is quite different when you are chasing rare DX. Now you are almost eating the mic
(so you need much lower audio gain), VOX is turned off, PTT is through a footswitch, and the processor is turned on.
Also, because you are much nearer to the mic, you need to reduce the low frequency response by
increasing the LoCut frequency, and you need to switch to TX equalizer HB2 to further emphasize
the higher frequencies.

Multiple operators sharing the same mic

In a multi-operator contest you could have several people sharing the same mic:

The operators’ voices are quite different:

*** Herby’s voice is “average”, so the appropriate mic gain level is in the middle of the range,
and the HB1 TX equalizer is the best for him.

*** Nancy is softly spoken, so she needs a higher mic gain, and also needs a user-defined equalizer
(U) to compensate for her high-pitched voice.

*** Archie bellows unbelievably, so the appropriate settings for him are different again!

With a separate audio profile for each person, you can quickly change the setup whenever
one operator hands the mic over to another.

Digital applications

If you are interested in digital transmission, the number of audio profiles could escalate to a dozen or more:

For example, if you are running Fldigi, you may decide that each mode requires a different profile:

*** PSK31 is essentially a low power mode, so you could set the TX power to 5 watts.

*** When transmitting RTTY you will probably want to run 100 watts.

Also, for most digital modes you will undoubtedly wish to select USB, and turn PROC off (to avoid distortion).
You may require yet further audio profiles if you run SSTV or digital voice.

AUDIO590 SAVES ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED IN INDIVIDUAL AUDIO PROFILES

Some of Audio590's functionality is similar to ARCP-590, but Audio590 goes further.
In particular:

*** Audio590 lets you save any number of U equalizers, with meaningful names.
(ARCP-590 only lets you save five user-defined equalizers, with unhelpful names
like User1, User2 etc.).

*** Audio590 lets you save User-defined equalizers that are based on the standard built-in equalizers
(HB1, HB2 etc). This saves time if you only want to make a small change to a built-in.
(ARCP-590 does not save modified built-in equalizer settings).

*** Audio590 lets you display the TX and RX passband of any equalizer, showing graphically the
effects of the TX and RX audio cut-off settings. (ARCP-590 does not have this functionality).

Promote the TS-590 Family Resources Page on your QRZ.COM page

If you find the TS-590 Family Resources Page useful, why not add a one-line promotional message
to the bottom of your QRZ.COM entry? To see how it would look, go to the
G3NRW QRZ.COM page. Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will see
the yellow "NRW" icon followed by a link to the Resources Page.

To embed this message into your QRZ.COM entry, do the following -- this takes much longer to describe
than to do: